vote now to prevent the worst fall off the fiscal cliff, tax hikes on 98% of americans. >> the first job is to make sure tax on middle class families don't go up and since we all agree on this we should get that done. >> reporter: house democrats agree. >> if we can get a few house republicans to agree, as well, i will sign this bill. >> reporter: republican tom cole got on board. >> we all agree that we are not going to raise taxes on people that make less than $250,000. >> reporter: house speaker john boehner says no. once tax breaks get blocked democrats can go home for the holidays and on january 1 tax rates rise automatically for the top 2%. worried ceos came to capitol hill saying congress has to avoid the cliff. >> entitlements have to be touched and revenues have to be touched. >> to make sure we have revenue necessary in order to move this economy forward. >> we are willing to put revenue on the table as long as we are not raising rates. >> reporter: the president says no long-term deal without a rate hike on the rich. he is urging the middle class to lobby lawmakers. >> whe